MADISON – Madison residents are known for their helpful attitudes that improve the community’s quality of life. A project involving children to senior citizens succeeded by cooperation among all groups.

“Members of Boy Scout Troop 201 and American Legion, Post 229 had a good turnout for the blood drive held on Nov. 12. The goal set for collection was 20 pints, and 27 pints were donated,” Post 229 Vice Commander Jean Downs said. Downs also serves as President of Post 229 Auxiliary Unit.

“Many of those people who donated were from American Legion, Post 229 members,” Downs said.

Also participating with the blood drive, Madison Fire and Rescue Department provided a location at Firehouse no. 1. Employees with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers stationed their bus in the fire station’s parking lot.

LifeSouth also accepts blood donors at their facility at 8190 Madison Blvd.

In upcoming weeks, LifeSouth will conduct blood drives around Madison. Blood donations increase in importance during holidays, which bring traffic accidents and other scenarios for blood needs:

* Madison Hospital — Mobile blood drive, Dec. 1., 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., 8375 U.S. 72 W. in Madison.

* Madison Hospital – Mobile blood drive, Dec. 2, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 8375 U.S. 72 W. in Madison.

* Walmart – Mobile blood drive, Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., 8580 U.S. 72 W. in Madison County.

* Walmart – Mobile blood drive, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 8650 Madison Blvd. in Madison.

* Donor center – Donations at LifeSouth facility, by appointment or walk-ins, 12060 County Line Road, Suite F in Madison.

* Donor center – Donations at LifeSouth center, by appointment or walk-ins, 8190 Madison Blvd. in Madison.

The only requirement for a donor is good health. LifeSouth will screen for any possible health problems that would cancel the donation. To schedule a donation, visit donors.lifesouth.org/donor/schedules/city.

During World War II, and especially after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the American Legion fueled an initiative that led to the American Legion National Blood Donor Program, Larry Vannoy said. Vannoy serves as American Legion Commander for Madison County and Madison Post 229.

By May 1, 1942, American Legion posts were collecting blood for American Red Cross to cover growing needs for plasma, not only on war fronts but at home to include military and Veteran Administration or VA hospitals. (legion.org)

For more information, visit Facebook/American Legion Post 229, AmericanLegionPost229.org or lifesouth.org.